Multicloud
Multicloud (also written as multi-cloud or multi cloud) is a term with varying interpretations, generally referring to a system using multiple cloud computing providers. According to ISO/IEC 22123-1: "multi-cloud is a cloud deployment model in which a customer uses public cloud services provided by two or more cloud service providers". [1] Multi-cloud can involve various deployment models, including public, private, and hybrid clouds, and multiple service models, such as Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS). Multicloud incorporates workload, data, traffic and workflow portability options, exhibiting differing implementation complexities. [2][3][4][5]
When effectively implemented, multicloud solutions can enhance architectural resilience, reduce dependence on a single vendor, and improve flexibility by leveraging services from different providers. However, multicloud strategies also present challenges, including increased operational complexity, security risks, higher costs, and integration difficulties. [2][3][4][5]
Advantages and challenges
[edit]There are several advantages to using a multicloud approach, including the ability to negotiate better pricing with cloud providers, the ability to quickly switch to another provider if needed, and the ability to avoid vendor lock-in. Multicloud can also be a good way to hedge against the risks of obsolescence, as it allows you to rely on multiple vendors and open standards, which can prolong the life of your systems.[6]
Additional benefits of the multicloud architecture include adherence to local policies that require certain data to be physically present within the area/country, geographical distribution of processing requests from physically closer cloud unit which in turn reduces latency and protect against disasters.[7][6]
Various issues and challenges also present themselves in a multicloud environment.[7] Security and governance is more complicated, and more "moving parts" may create resiliency issues.
Difference between multicloud and hybrid cloud
[edit]Multicloud differs from hybrid cloud in that it refers to multiple cloud services from different vendors rather than multiple deployment modes (on-premises hardware, and public and private, cloud hosting).[8][9] However, when considering a broad definition of multi-cloud, hybrid cloud can still be regarded as a special form of multi-cloud.
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "ISO/IEC 22123-1:2023(E) - Information technology — Cloud computing — Part 1: Vocabulary". International Organization for Standardization: 2.
- ^ a b Cloud Computing: Concepts, Technology & Architecture. Pearson. 2013. ISBN 978-0133387520.
- ^ a b Cloud Native Patterns: Designing change-tolerant software. Manning. 31 May 2019. ISBN 978-1617294297.
- ^ a b Mulder, Jeroen (27 April 2023). Multi-Cloud Strategy for Cloud Architects - Second Edition: Learn how to adopt and manage public clouds by leveraging BaseOps, FinOps, and DevSecOps. Packt Publishing, Limited. ISBN 978-1804616734.
- ^ a b Multi-Cloud Architecture and Governance: Leverage Azure, AWS, GCP, and VMware vSphere to build effective multi-cloud solutions. ISBN 978-1800203198.
- ^ a b Brand, Aron (February 17, 2020). "You Might Want to Rethink Monogamy (When Clouds are in Question)". Tech Monitor.
- ^ a b Synytsky, Ruslan. "How To Overcome The Challenges Of Gaining Multi-Cloud Interoperability". Forbes Technology Council. Retrieved 25 October 2018.
- ^ Rouse, Margaret. "What is a multi-cloud strategy". SearchCloudApplications. Retrieved 3 July 2014.
- ^ King, Rachel. "Pivotal's head of products: We're moving to a multi-cloud world". ZDnet. Retrieved 3 July 2014.